You can’t catch them like a cold. No one really knows what causes them, but 1 in 3 women between the ages of 18 and 50 in the U.S. will get one or more fibroids. It is even more common for women of certain ethnic backgrounds.

How would I know if I have fibroids?

Some women do not know they have fibroids. For others, fibroids can cause symptoms, such as:

Heavy periods

Bleeding between periods

Pelvic pain or discomfort

Having to go to the bathroom often

Pain or discomfort during sex

Are fibroids dangerous?

Fibroids can cause too much blood loss. Too much blood loss can lead to a serious medical condition called anemia, or low blood counts.

If I have a fibroid, what should I do?

Many women have fibroids that never cause any problems. Fibroids usually shrink on their own after menopause. However, if you have symptoms related to your fibroids, you should see a doctor.

Who should I see?

Most women with fibroids end up first seeing a gynecologist, or “OB-GYN,” who may offer surgery. Ahysterectomyis a surgery to remove the entire uterus. Future pregnancy is not possible. Amyomectomyis a surgery to remove the fibroid but leave the uterus.

What if I don't want surgery? Are there other options?

Yes! There are several alternatives to surgery for the treatment of fibroids. The one with the best results is a MIIP calleduterine fibroid embolizationor “UFE.” It is performed by a specialist called aninterventional radiologist,or “IR.”

UFE? What's that?

After numbing the skin, the Interventional Radiologist puts a small plastic tube through a pinhole and into an artery in either the arm or groin. The IR then uses moving x-rays to guide the small tube into the arteries in the pelvis that supply blood to the fibroids. The IR then injects tiny particles to block off the blood supply to the fibroids to make them shrink over time.

Will I be awake during the procedure?

Many women do fine being awake during the procedure with
just the numbing medication. Some women opt for medicine to make them drowsy.

Will it hurt?

The numbing medicine may sting for a few seconds but, after that, the procedure itself does not hurt. After the procedure successfully cuts off the blood supply to the fibroids, most women experience pelvic pain that can be controlled with medicine. This pain can be anywhere from mild to severe and usually lasts several hours, sometimes longer. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. These symptoms can usually be controlled with medicine.

Do I have to stay in the hospital afterwards?

The symptoms after UFE are best controlled in the hospital, so most women stay overnight and go home the next day. By comparison, most women who have surgery stay in the hospital several days to a week.

How long until I can get back to my normal life?

You can expect to feel well enough to go back to work and other regular activities in 1-2 weeks. By comparison, recovery from surgery can take several months.

Is it safe?

Yes. Interventional Radiologists are specially trained to perform this MIIP and do it safely. The chance of a major complication happening in experienced hands is less than 1 in 100. By comparison, 10 women out of every 100 undergoing surgery have a major complication.

Can I get pregnant after UFE?

It is possible to get pregnant after UFE. The chances of pregnancy after UFE are similar to the chances after myomectomy. Remember that it is not possible to get pregnant after hysterectomy.

What if it doesn't work?

Nine out of 10 women who have a UFE experience relief from their fibroid symptoms. Sometimes the fibroids do not respond completely or can grow back. Fortunately, UFE can usually be performed again.

Where can I learn more about UFE?

Ask your primary care doctor or OB-GYN about UFE and for a referral to an IR.

You can also look for an Interventional Radiologist in your area atsirweb.org